Exercise: Strategies

In his latest easy English article, Mike Hogan provides tips on how to make your meetings mawr effective. In this exercise, you will hear a statement about meetings in the pause, decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement and why. Then you will hear my opinion based on Mike's ideas. OK, we'll start. Start your meetings as soon as everyone is there. I disagree. Start the meeting on time. Even if some people are late, then they will learn to be on time in future. Never let your meetings overrun the finishing time. Even when you have not dealt with everything, I agree. Gradually, participants will learn to be more efficient. Never invite individuals to contribute to the discussion they may feel picked on. I disagree. By inviting individuals by name, you can ensure that even the quieter people have a chance to contribute. There is no point sending out documentation in advance as no one reads it. I disagree. Not everyone is good at contributing spontaneously. If the documents are sent out in advance, those people then have the chance to prepare their ideas, summarized the discussions at frequent intervals during your meetings. I agree, especially when people are working in a second language. This keeps the meeting on track. Never interrupt participants during your meetings. This depends. It's good to interrupt people if they are trying to dominate the meeting or are speaking off the agenda. But it is not good to interrupt someone by finishing their sentences for them or to dominate the meeting yourself. Writing the minutes is easier if each item is summarized clearly at the end of the discussion. I agree. A clear summary makes it very easy for the meeting secretary to keep an accurate record of the meeting. The action points for meeting should contain two main elements. The action that is required and who is responsible for it. I disagree. There were three main elements. An action point should not only state who should do what, but also by when it's very important to state the deadline. Well done. If you follow Mike Hogan's simple tips, you will be able to create a positive meeting culture. Andi, your meetings will be more effective